Letitia James campaigns for Zohran Mamdani in her first public appearance since federal indictment

New York Attorney General Letitia James delivered an impassioned speech Monday evening in support of New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani in her first public appearance since her federal indictment last week.

“He’s a leader who’s fighting for a better future for this city, and he, like me, knows what it’s like to be attacked, to be insulted, threatened, harassed,” James said of Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, ahead of next month’s general election.

“I see the courage that Zohran embodies, and that’s why I support him,” she said.

James spoke at the campaign rally in Washington Heights less than a week after a federal grand jury in Virginia indicted her on charges of mortgage fraud. The case was brought by Lindsey Halligan, the acting U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, who was once one of President Donald Trump’s personal attorneys. Weeks earlier, Trump pressed Attorney General Pam Bondi on social media to prosecute James and other of his political opponents.

James, who has denied any wrongdoing, did not mention Trump by name Monday, but she forcefully refuted the accusations against her, saying “powerful voices” are trying to “weaponize justice for political ends.”

“I know what it feels like to be attacked just for doing your job. But I also know what it feels like to overcome adversity, and so I stand on solid rock, and I will not bow. I will not break. I will not bend. I will not capitulate. I will not give up, and I will not give in,” she said.

Mamdani appeared to be referring to the legal battles that awaited James.

“Thank you to the elected officials, union leaders and movement leaders here with us tonight, and thank you to New York Attorney General Tish James. For years you have fought the good fight for New Yorkers, and now it’s time we fight for you,” he said.

Both James and Mamdani are prominent Trump critics who have also been his frequent targets.

Trump called Mamdani a “communist” and questioned his immigration status. In July, he suggested arresting Mamdani if, as mayor, he defies Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s deportation efforts.

James has also been caught in Trump’s crosshairs, particularly after she won a nearly $500 million judgment against him and his companies before he was elected to a second term last year. A New York appeals court later overturned the civil penalty for fraud.

Mamdani’s biggest opponent in next month’s election is former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom he defeated in the June Democratic primary. Cuomo then launched an independent bid for mayor.

James was an outspoken critic of Cuomo before launching his own unsuccessful bid for governor four years ago. Following an investigation into sexual misconduct allegations against Cuomo that led to his resignation in 2021, James’ office released a report revealing that Cuomo had sexually harassed at least 11 women. He denied the allegations.